Government plans to revamp local elections process

VICTORIA – Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes has tabled two bills that will affect local election campaign finance rules and introduce further changes to local elections.

* Establishing a new compliance and enforcement role for Elections BC.

The Local Elections Statutes Amendment Act (LESAA) is a companion piece to the campaign finance legislation establishing how election participants will transition to the new campaign finance rules. The act also makes further changes to local elections by:

* Extending the terms of office for local elected officials from three to four years.

* Moving the general voting day from November to October, beginning in 2018.

In 2010, the joint B.C.-UBCM Local Government Elections Task Force made 31 recommendations to modernize local elections, including incorporation of local election campaign finance rules into one act. In September 2013, a white paper was published outlining the proposed new campaign finance reforms.

The legislation will apply to elected officials in municipalities, regional districts, the Islands Trust, parks boards and school boards. If passed, the legislation will take effect for upcoming general local elections on Nov. 15, 2014.

During consultations, some stakeholders expressed opposition to a complete ban on anonymous contributions. Given this feedback, the current rules that permit modest anonymous contributions of $50 or less will be maintained. This requirement will also apply to third-party advertisers effective immediately.

Government also consulted local governments and key stakeholders about campaign expense limits, as part of a phased approach to local government elections reform. As part of this process, expense limits would be introduced in time for the next general local elections following 2014.